Perfect Practice

In regards to the 23 point blowout, the Shining Stars did work in that game. They are a very solid team and have some really good players. Zeke Pike was a pleasure to watch, as was T. Brown and N. Pawsett. They are a fun team to watch.

I absolutely agree with you. Flesch was hurt last year and will have to prove it this year on the court at the varsity level. But if Im not mistaken, most AAU teams are composed of the best players in the area or surrounding area/states, and Flesch is producing. Doesnt this deserve credit? I didnt put him above Smith or Gilbert, or Trammel, as they are really good players. I'm not blowing Flesch up, Im just saying that this kid deserves some smidgeon of credit. I think Gilbert is a very good player and is one that many NKY kids aspire to model there game after. I really like to watch him play and have seen him several times. But, if I remember correctly, didnt you just say in an earlier post that Barnett and Trammel were the best 2 guards on that Bulldogs team? I believe you did. So what are your hard facts, or where is this proof and body of work for Barnett? I agree that Barnett is a really good player because of what he has done in AAU and on the basketball floor. I dont argue about Trammel, the kid has game, no doubt. He can play, and play at a very high level, just as Smith and Gilbert. And, people can claim to be as "astute" as they would like, you know basketball and/or sports, or you dont. People that know basketball know that Gilbert, Smith, Trammel, Flesch (and Barnett), are good players. Of course they have to continuously prove it on the floor. Thats the name of the game.

Stewart is about 6'5" or so. He brings nice things to the court. He is a good player and has good upside. He will do good things for Highlands I think. I think he does good things for the NKY Bulldogs. He gets a fair share of starts in my opinion at the 3 and/or 4 for them.

I agree with you here in regards that you should never start a team to showcase any one players talent. A recipe for disaster absolutely. But to your point, people with basketball knowledge also know a good player when they see one. As a parent, you also have to be realistic about your child's abilities. That's the bottome line.

So does it appear that Bryan does not have a team at all anymore? Does anyone know, was it a personal decision to leave or did Team KY make a decison on that?

This is wrong in my opinion. But, I guess as a fan, and not the coach of this team you and I dont know the interworkings of this team. That's why I always say that players play, and coaches coach. It's easy to bash a coach as a parent or fan, I've done it, we all have. You could argue that Kellen Smith could have gotten more time for the Shining Stars against the NKY Bulldogs, but he wasnt his usual self in that game. So what did the coach do, he pulled him out. Im sure not everyone was happy about that, but he did what had to be done.

You could not possibly be more wrong here. Barnett is a great player, but to say that he is the best guard on the team along with Trammel is wrong. Flesch dominated Gilbert and Smith when he guarded them against the Stars. I also heard that he guarded Josh Forrest better than anyone in the whole state tournament. Not to mention that Flesch put up 14 against the Stars, which was more than any one of their guards, and I was told he put up 18 against the WKY Elite. If you cant admit that he is one of the best 3 or 4 PG's in NKY for his age group, then that sounds like a personal endeavor against the kid. Again, Barnett is a great player, and he deserves his time and he is getting much better from what i have seen. But you sir/ma'am are wrong. This team has 3 really good PG's or 1-2 guard combos!

Yeah, the Fucci getting dunked on was just hear say, so im not sure. What do you mean by Stenzel lets up quite a bit... Like he plays down to the competition? Or, he quits playing at times? And, Fucci could be the best. I just meant that this discussion is arguable. Fucci is a very nice player as well, no doubt about it.

It appeared to me that most of the players on this team had opportunities in the S. Stars game that I saw. Except for # 34, and the Hodges kid from Connor. But, it appeared both were in foul trouble. Unless you are referring to another game, I didnt get to see much of the others. If this is the case, unfortunately this can happen in AAU when one team has so much talent on it's roster. I dont think it's a knock against the kids by any means. You see it happen on every team and in every tournament I think. I agree that the No. KY kids played really well this weekend. The only one I am curious about is Zach Perkins... Anyone know how he did with Team Kentucky? Did Blake Bryan play in this tournament? I was very impressed with the Highlands run in the 17U division. Kudos to them! It was exciting to watch the boys from Holmes get out and run. I think Ricardo Johnson will have some opportunities at the next level. Being here, it's always fun to watch the No. KY boys come down and have success.

I would imagine that this LEX Ice team was rusty after not having played in a tournament game this summer season. Fucci looked worn out in his first game of the weekend against The Truth (Thunder), and he still played pretty well. I could have sworn that I saw Taylor Martin there and playing. In regards to Fucci and Forrest, I also heard that Forrest dunked on Fucci a couple of times and that neither could guard the other. That was just hear say. I didnt get to see the game. Tough match-ups for both kids on the defensive end of the floor. Both are just awesome! As far as being the best 2011 guard, i think that is arguable. He is definitely one of the best and maybe the best PG. But, the best "guard" could go to any number of players by the time it's all said and done. I dont think we've seen the best of Shanklin, Lionell Gaines, Remy Abell, Josh Forrest, Stenzel, marks, and a number of others who may play the guard position.

Jalyn Daniels is a stud. I didnt get to see the dunk. Maybe it will be on youtube soon. Does anyone know if this kid will get to start varsity this year? I know he is on a good team.

I agree to a certain extent. But, you just cannot forget Flesch. This kid is the most talented defender for the NKY Bulldogs IMO. He also has the ability to score. I think this team is pretty stacked all around. IMO they are like a Shining Stars in their own right. Im learning more and more about them. I took a lot of time to get to know the Stars and DSAS and hope to do the same with the NKY Bulldogs.

Very glad to hear this. If this kid doesnt go somewhere and do really good things I would be very surprised. In regards to the Shining Stars bigs, I would agree. They did a great job in the post. Though from a spectators perspective, it looked like the Bulldogs did have some kids (2 bigs) in foul trouble. I know that's part of the game, but Im sure it would be really tough for Stauffer to handle those 3 big guys. Nonetheless, Brown and Pike really impressed me. Pike's strength inside was a big asset and he could finish around the rim. Brown just has such a big body down low and can move people around. He also has a soft touch that allows him to put the ball in the hoop. Neal Pawsett really impressed me as well. He can really shoot it for a big. Mason County's future is bright with he and Gilbert. Gilbert seems like a really nice PG and he is quick. Now in regards to the Bulldogs team, I agree that you cannot overlook the PG Flesch. Gilbert came out and scored 10 or 11 pts right out of the gate it seemed like, then when Flesch came in to guard him, he only scored 2 more pts. or some small number like that (this is a compliment to Flesch, as I know how good Gilbert really is). Not to mention, he has a unique ability to get to the rim and adjust his shot in the air. I would also agree with the statement about the Hodges kid from Connor. I only saw him in the first half of the game against the Shining Stars, but he had a sweet dunk. It appeared that he got in foul trouble. I couldnt imagine him sitting for any other reason. I have seen this Bulldogs team in a few tournaments this year, but they seem to have a good nucleus with Stauffer, Flesch, Trammel and Hodges. Barnett is also a unique player that can score in bunches and in a hurry. And, the Shining Stars also have a really good core of players that can get after you. Kids like Gilbert, Schuette, and Pawsett. And they have a nice bench with guys like Brown and Pike. This team is very competitive and kudos to them for getting to the finals.

Pike is a good player. But, he is an older freshman. He is the same age or older then some of the kids he plays with and against.

I agree with you about WKY Elite. Good team, good players, good coach. What is #30's name? Forrest is just a beast. I noticed you said they didnt go deep enough. Anyone know the reason why they split that team into two WKY Elite teams?

I didnt get a chance to see his number this year. I saw him in a few tournaments last summer and read some about him during the basketball season. Seems like a good young kid and wondered how he performed with the Storm and the 17's. He is about 6'5" or 6'6". Good player.

Let everyone know who you think will be the best teams and players in the state in 2009. Will Louisville Trinity be the best team? Will Miles Simpson be voted Mr. Kentucky football?

Anyone know when Tate Nichols will actually sign his LOI to Stanford? If he signs this, will he play basketball next season?

I thought Ricardo was "AWESOME" too. Pittman looked pretty good. Gabbard and Sewell are the real deal, as well as Jackson. The whole DSAS team is loaded with talent. You cant say enough about the way they put that team together. Not to mention how well all of them boys play together. There was a kid out of Eastern Highschool that played for the "Storm" and his names is Lionell Gaines. He is a junior to be player, that played up in the 17U division. Did anyone get the chance to see him play? The Shining Stars 16's also had a good weekend. I like Gilbert, Schuetter, Pike, and Pawsett (he can really shoot it for a bigger kid) from that team. Nice work putting them together. The NKY Bulldogs have 3 or 4 nice players. Stauffer, Flesch, Trammel, and Hodges. WKY Elite has Josh Forrest. His name speaks for itself. 2nd rated player in the state in his age range according to some. Also another kid, dont know his name but # 30 was good. Im still waiting for someone to tell us who was on that Hoyas Elite team in the 16's??? They were good.

DSAS defeated Shining Stars in the finals of the 16U tournament.

A side note that I left out... There is a kid, I am told his last name is Hodges and that he goes to Connor Highschool. I have seen him play a few times for the NKY Bulldogs. He goes about 6'7" and seems to be turning into a nice player. He had a nice dunk against the 16U Shining Stars and played well against the WKY Elite white. I am told to keep an eye on him. Another to keep an eye on is: Zeke Pike And, does anyone know how Zeke Pike finished out the tournament? The kid had a nice game against the NKY Bulldogs and looked strong inside. Let us know.

In the 17U division, the KY Players took over in the second half in their game against the lightning. Ricardo Johnson is just really good. He sees the floor well, shoots well, passes well and can get to the rim. Pittman and Jeremiah didnt play a whole lot, if at all, in this game. Maybe the coach was resting them as the game seemed to be in control from the start. Shining Stars McFarland went 3-0 in pool play. The only true test they faced was against Higher Level Gold and the Stars won 68-66. From this team, I love to watch Sewell, Jackson and Gabbard. Trinity, Scott Co., and Boone County are going to be set next season with these players. In th 16U division, the Lexington Ice won the play in game against Higher Level, but lost against the DSAS in the first round on bracket play. Again, DSAS just to strong. Good group of kids and great group of talent. The Hoyas Elite beat up on the team listed as The Truth (but had "Thunder" jersey's on). Im not sure who this Hoyas Elite team is, or who plays for them, but they are a good talented group of guys. I heard someone say they were from Louisville. Anyone have any idea? The Shining Stars beat WKY Elite blue (the lower level, less talented WKY Elite) by 29. So they did what they should have and blew that team out. I didnt get a chance to watch this game, but I am sure Schuette got off after being held to only 5 or so against the NKY Bulldogs. And that Neal Pawsett, he's a real good player. Stout and strong and can shoot it. Jordan Gilbert is a nice PG and really seems to have the beat of his team and does a good job of shooting from the outside and pentrating and then dishing. The WKY Elite white was the real deal WKY Elite team with Josh Forrest. This kid is absolutely awesome. And fun to watch. They won a very toughly contested battle against the NKY Bulldogs in overtime. Forrest had about 25 points in the game and a #30 for the Elite was a quick shooting and driving guard. Talented and I talked to another spectator after the game that said these two boys were "going somewhere". For the NKY Bulldogs, #1 Flesch is becoming a stud IMO. He must have had 18-20 points and played fantastic defense against Forrest when he was assigned to him (Forrest 6'5"/Flesch 5'11"). Flesch is also becoming a leader on the floor. Stauffer of Ryle also played great, with about 18-20 pts and probably 10 boards atleast. Fun games to watch. All i see posted right now is the 16U Bracket play and it is as follows: DSAS vs. WKY Elite white Shining Stars vs. Hoyas Elite Both games to be played at 11:40 As a side note, I saw many coaches and or scouts at the KBA this weekend from different D-2/D-3 schools. So that was cool to see.

I didn't notice that. I just felt like the post play of the Shining Stars was strong in the second half. But, if this is true, that would hurt. Trammel is his name and he's a great player. I saw a couple Bulldogs players head drop late in the game. Gotta play through and stay in it metally. Shining stars win again by beating Higher Level. Another good, big win. They took the one seed in their pool.Good team. Lexington Ice have had a rough weekend. I believe they will have to play in the play-in game. WKY Elite has played very well this weekend. 2-0 and 1st place in their pool. Josh Forrest is a stud. DSAS is their usual. Solid team and they are very intense. This team is constantly playing and working and has really good players. The staff at KBA really seems to have this tournament together. Coaches, teams, and players should applaud them.

More to come as the day wears on...

In the 17U division I saw a bit of the McFarland Stars early in their game. They looked good. I didn't get to catch the finish, but I believe the Stars pulled it out. In the 16U division the Shining Stars beat the NKY Bulldogs. It was a great back and forth first half, but the stars pulled away in the second. Gilbert had a nice first quarter and showcased his ability to shoot it from outside. The players of the game for the Stars were Pawsett, Pike, and Brown. They played real well. The bulldogs did a great job of shutting down Schuette. Saw him score only once or twice. After the first quarter Flesch did a great job defensively on the Stars guards. He also scored a bit. Number 24 for the Bulldogs played well offensively also. Nice shot. Good game early, big win late.